The Châteaux of the Loire

Hardly any region has influenced French history as strongly – kings and queens, minstrels, court jesters, and mistresses enlivened the Loire Valley and ruled France. Often, there were around 15,000 people living in the shadow of a king. They follow in their footsteps and discover the greatest testimonies of this time – the stone ones, but also the culinary ones…

Day 1 | Fontainebleau – Palace of the Kings

Departure in the morning and drive to the Fontainebleau Palace, south of Paris. Once built as a simple hunting lodge amidst forests, emperors and kings have spent over 700 years beautifying the palace. And they succeeded – you will be impressed! In 1981, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will spend the night at the Hôtel Novotel Fontainebleau Ury, located close to the palace. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 | Orléans – the Home of Jeanne d’Arc

After breakfast, you will continue to Orléans, where a city tour awaits you. Discover the city on the Loire, its cathedral, and its historic old town. In the afternoon, you will proceed to Blois. The Blois Castle is one of the most famous Loire castles, as it was the heart of France for almost a hundred years – from 1498 to 1589. Here lived and ruled Henry II, Catherine de' Medici, and their three kings, their children. Afterward, drive to the Hôtel Mercure Blois Centre in Blois, your residence for the next five days. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3 | Château de Villandry – Château d'Azay-le-Rideau - Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud

Today you will visit the much-praised gardens of Château de Villandry. Artistically designed are vegetable beds and herb gardens. Next, you will go to the water-surrounded Château d'Azay-le-Rideau. This castle, built between 1518 and 1527 by Gilles Berthelot, is a wonder of grace and purity and is dominated by small towers. After that, you will visit the former Benedictine monastery Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud. Eleanor of Aquitaine lived in the abbey, serving as a model for the emancipated French woman of today. For dinner, you will return to your hotel.

Day 4 | Tours – Château de Chenonceau

In the morning, you will visit Tours. As a city of art and history, Tours has a multitude of sights to offer. At lunchtime, you will be expected at the winemaker Père Auguste for a cellar tour with wine tasting and a hearty winemaker's snack. The afternoon is dedicated to visiting Château de Chenonceau – the castle of women. Whether a lawful wife, queen, or mistress, they lived in the most beautiful water castle for 400 years. Back in Blois, the evening is all yours. Perhaps you will take an evening stroll through the streets of the old town.

Day 5 | Château de Chambord – Château and Park Cheverny

Today you will visit the Château de Chambord – a palace and hunting lodge of superlatives: 440 rooms, 365 chimneys, 13 main staircases, and 70 secondary staircases. The castle is built in the style of medieval fortresses and is a symbol of the power of King François I. In the afternoon, you will visit Château and Park Cheverny. It was one of the first castles opened to visitors in 1922. Discover this authentic and vibrant cultural heritage. The day ends with a delicious menu at the restaurant l'Oratoire in Blois.

Day 6 | Hello Leonardo

In Amboise, you will explore Leonardo da Vinci’s genius at Château Clos-Lucé/Parc Leonardo da Vinci and also the magnificent Château Amboise of Charles VIII, which is culturally one of the most important of the Loire castles. You will spend the afternoon and evening in Blois. You have time for your own city views. Individual dinner.

Day 7 | Return Journey

• Travel by modern coach
• 1x overnight stay including breakfast buffet at the 4-star Hôtel Novotel Fontainebleau Ury in Ury (local category)
• 1x 3-course dinner at the Hôtel Novotel Fontainebleau Ury including ¼ l wine, water, coffee or tea
• 5x overnight stays including breakfast at the 4-star Hôtel Mercure Blois Centre in Blois (local category)
• 2x 3-course dinners at the Hôtel Mercure Blois Centre in Blois (excluding drinks)
• 1x 4-course dinner at the Brasserie l'Oratoire in Blois (excluding drinks)
• Admission and guided tour of Château Fontainebleau
• Admissions: Château de Blois, Gardens of Château Villandry, Château Azay-le-Rideau, Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, Château Chenonceau, Château Chambord, Château and Park Cheverny, Château Clos Lucé/Parc Leonardo da Vinci in Amboise, Château Amboise including Histopad
• Visit to the wine cellar "Cave du Père Auguste" in Civray de Touraine including wine tasting and lunch snack
• Full-day tour guide on days 2, 3, 4, and 5
• Half-day tour guide on day 6
• Tourist tax
• Audio guides for the entire duration of the trip
• Continuous BOHR travel accompaniment

From the centrally located 4-star Hôtel Mercure Blois Centre (local category), you can reach the royal castle, the Saint-Louis Cathedral, and the Maison de la Magie within a few minutes' walk. The rooms are equipped with a bathtub or shower, toilet, hairdryer, TV, safe, and free Wi-Fi.